Sydney, NS

1957 – Narrative Report – National Archives of Canada


Narrative Report
RCAF Station Sydney, NS
1 Jun 57 to 30 Nov 57

5 Jun 57

Another softball season got underway this evening with the playing of the first game in the Inter Section Softball League. Teams are entered representing Admin., Telecom., Operations and Combines (the remainder) and judging by previous years activities, a fiercely competitive league should result.

6 Jun 57

RB Able, AFHQ/DCEF, visited the Station today on a routine visit and took over the new Admin. Building, Dispensary and CE Section as well as two units of the new insulate PMQs.

7 Jun 57

Station Headquarters was moved today from BB#3 to the new Admin Building. At last the Admin. Sections will be accommodated in suitable and spacious quarters and we will finally have sufficient officers quarters accommodation with the return of BB#3 to its intended role.
The NCO’s Mess had a lobster stag this evening at 1630 hours. A "fly-up" of members of the Brownie Pack was held in the Rec. Centre at 1730 hours. This was the final Brownie meeting for the season and after the "fly-up" ceremony, games and picnic-style lunch were enjoyed by the members.
A period of Air Defence readiness was ordered today at 1550Z hours extending until 1730Z hours. Fortunately no untoward results accrued but a small "flap" was occasioned since it caught Station Headquarters in the throes of the move to our new quarters.

8 Jun 57

This evening, associate members of the officers Mess staged a farewell dinner for S/L Lomas at the Isle Royale Hotel. Following the dinner, the party adjourned to the Officers Mess where festivities continued.

10 Jun 57

Mr. WJ Parker, ADC/CCPA, arrived for a staff visit concerning personnel administration.

11 Jun 57

The CO departed on TD to Station Summerside for flying practice. S/L Brunger assumed temporary command.
F/L E Wood, Station Gander, visited unannounced as always, to conduct a cash count.

12 Jun 57

F/O JW Thompson, ASWelO/MAC, visited the Station on welfare matters.

13 Jun 57

104 K Flight evaluation team arrived on the Station to undertake evaluation of FPS-502.

14 Jun 57

The second issue of the Station Magazine "GAIRM" was published today and received an enthusiastic reception from Station personnel
This evening, the Station branch of the NDEA held a lobster boil at Kenwood Pavilion on the Mira River, in honour of S/L and Mrs. Lomas.

15 Jun 57

The Northern Electric mobile repair party departed today leaving the radar equipment again in peak operation.

18 Jun 57

The first four insulate PMQs, recently taken over from the contractor, were occupied today. The four airmen to whom they were allocated and envied by all PMQ residents since they are now proud possessors of basements - a hitherto unheard-of feature in married quarters at RCAF Station Sydney.
F/O Porter, Station Chatham, visited the Station today to conduct the semi-annual explosives inspection.

19 Jun 57

Mr. AA Smith, Commander JE Armstrong (RCN) and F/L AE Wright, members of the AFHQ Dependent’s Education Committee, visited the Station today regarding the school and educational problems in general. Fortunately no current problems were encountered but their visit was most informative and established a closer liaison between Station executives and their committee.

20 Jun 57

This evening the Airmen’s Club held a stag party honoring S/L Lomas the departing CO.

22 Jun 57

The Spring Formal Ball was held this evening in the Officers Mess with the usual enthusiastic participation of regular and associate members.

26 Jun 57

S/L GA Armstrong, C) designate, arrived on the Station today. This evening a Mess Dinner was held by the NCO’s Mess, followed by a farewell ball, in honour of S/L Lomas.

28 Jun 57

The handing-over parade was held this morning in the Rec. Centre gymnasium with S/L GA Armstrong taking over command of the Station from S/L JA Lomas. A three flight squadron, embracing all available Station personnel, was on parade and the Cape Breton flavor was added by a piper from 2nd Br., Nova Scotia Highlanders, who was present to play the general salute.
This evening a mess dinner was held in the Officers Mess with the outgoing CO as guest of honour.

2 Jul 57

S/L FR Sarty, ADC/SOGT, visited the Station on a ground training staff visit.
F/O WC Veals reported on transfer from Station Bagotville to assume duties as SAO.

3 Jul 57

A peaceful night’s sleep was shattered at 0150 hours today when members of the ADC V test team struck in an attempted infiltration. The prime objective was the Ops Bldg. and penetration was made through an open window into the COpsO’s office, as well as by an error in judgement on the part of an airman answering the buzzer for the Ops Building door. Both pseudo-saboteurs were apprehended before they could carry out their missions but once again the test proved its value in indicating to us the weaknesses in the Station security system.

4 Jul 57

F/L GR Howson, OC of V-test team, visited the Station today for debriefing and to review Station security procedures.
Mr. Glover of RCA Victor also visited the Station today to do emergency repairs to the pressurizing installation in #2 tower.

5 Jul 57

F/L Howson and the V-test team departed today, accompanies by F/O DE O’Leary and Cpl. Wenborne on this Unit, to conduct V tests of other Maritime Stations.

6 Jul 57

F/L TEW Robson and the ECM indoctrination team from 104 K flight arrived to conduct ECM training.

7 Jul 57

The last Protestant service for the summer season was held this morning in conjunction with the official closing of the Sunday School.

8 Jul 57

Sgt. RA Irving, ADC/CCE, visited the Station today to inspect plumbing and heating installations.

9 Jul 57

The CO proceeded to ADC today on TD for a liaison visit, with S/L Brunger assuming temporary command.
The required repairs to #2 Tower pressurizing installation have been completed. Mr. Glover departed today.

10 Jul 57

WO2 JA Kern AFHQ/CDED visited the Station today to survey ground and landscaping improvements required.
This evening a farewell stag party was held in the Officers Mess in honour of F/O JC Richard, CEO, who is departing shortly on transfer overseas.

11 Jul 57

Advice was received today that S/L Brunger, CTSO, is to be transferred to Station Moisie as CO. This is another "distinguished first" in Station Sydney’s history since it marks the first occasion on which a Tech/Tel officer assumes permanent command of an AC&W Squadron and all personnel are particularly proud that, under the circumstances, it is to be a Sydney alumnus.

15 Jul 57

F/O JC Richard, CEO, departed today on embarkation leave and transfer to RCAF Support Unit, Metz, France. F/L AW Beals, SAO, also departed today on transfer to Station Chatham. Notwithstanding the loss of these two popular members of the Station, spirits generally were raised when advice was received today of a pay increase for all ranks.

16 Jul 57

S/L Brunger departed today on TD to ADCHQ and Station Moisie to discuss his impending take-over as CO of that Unit. F/L TEG Ker assumed temporary command during S/L Brunger’s absence.

19 Jul 57

S/L Brunger returned from TD and reassumed temporary command. Mr. JW Hoult, Bell Telephone Company Supervisor, visited the Station today on a periodic visit.
Well drilling operations got underway today in the area just east of the Ops Building where an attempt is to be made to augment the declining water supply of the Station.

21 Jul 57

S/L Brunger departed today on leave and transfer to Station Moisie as CO. He and his family will be keenly missed by all Station personnel. S/L Brunger, during his tour as CTSO here, had been very active in all Station affairs and was greatly respected by all ranks. His wife had been "Brown Owl" of the Station Brownie Pack and was responsible for its organization and development to its present fine state. Even the two elder Brunger children had made a distinct contribution to Station activities by their assistance in Brownie, Cub and Scout work.

22 Jul 57

WO2 GH Jerrett ADC/SOCE visited the Station today to inspect the power plant.
At the request of the RCMP a number of Station personnel, together with emergency equipment, were dispatched to the Mire area to fight bush fires which were threatening the popular resort settlement in that area.

29 Jul 57

S/L GA Armstrong returned to duty from TD at ADC and leave. S/L DF Clark, ADC/SOCE, conducted a staff visit of the Station today. F/O (N/S) MM Prendergast arrived today on TD from Station St. Hubert until 4 Sep while LAC LW Marcell, our MedA, is on leave. WO2 RF Buck arrived on TD from 1 R&CS for a week of field experience and familiarization.
F/O FA Creelman, SSO, departed today on leave and TD to the volleyball coaches course being held at 6 RD. We hope that he will return "genned up" with strategy and tactics which will held the Station team to repeat its winning of the City championship last year.

31 Jul 57

F/O RM Conroy, AFHQ/DPA, visited the Station today concerning recreational activities (swimming). He was well pleased with the swimming programme that has been underway here and he also was able to give many pointers for future expansion of the programme.

2 Aug 57

WO2 Buck departed today to return to 1 R&CS.

7 Aug 57

F/L RG Henley arrived on transfer from Station Gander to assume duties as CTSO.
F/O T Coughlin, AFHQ/Roundel, visited the Station and Baddeck today on an assignment for that magazine.

8 Aug 57

A US Navy R-5D with engine trouble, force landed at Sydney airport today and twenty USN personnel were accommodated on the Station overnight while repairs were completed.

10 Aug 57

A C-119 crew from 4-OTU which had flown into Sydney transporting a repair party, were forced to stay over due to weather, visited the Station and remained overnight.

12 Aug 57

F/O RM Conroy departed to return to AFHQ. F/L JE Freebairn ADC/SOAF visited the Station to conduct a cash count and act as a technical member for the NPF Audit Board.
The RCA Victor Mobile Repair Party arrived today to conduct peak-up of the FPS-502 and TPS-502 radars.

13 Aug 57

S/L RH Harris, F/L D Hynes and Captain Watson visited the Station today on a liaison trip from the Halifax and Turo GObC centres. F/O FA Creelman returned from TD at 6RD.

14 Aug 57

The CO appeared this evening on "People and Things", a local TV show and was introduced and interviewed.

16 Aug 57

W/C EC Briese, Sector Commander, visited the Station today.

18 Aug 57

F/O B Wooding returned from TD at Station Lac St. Denis and a period of leave.

19 Aug 57

The RCA Victor MRP completed peak-up and departed today. Classes were launched today for non-swimmers amongst Station Service personnel. The swimming pool, which has been the most popular facility in the Rec. Centre since its opening, has been well patronized but a recent survey reveals that approximately fifteen Service personnel are unable to swim. A target has been set by the new CO that all non-swimming personnel receive instruction and are proficient in swimming at least 75 feet.

20 Aug 57

The CO, accompanied by the CAdO, attended a farewell party this evening at the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, in honour of Rear Admiral RLS Bidwell, RCN, retiring Flag Officer, Atlantic Coast.

21 Aug 57

G/C BC Coles, ADC/SOMS made a staff visit to the Station today. The G/C was accompanied by his wife and family and this evening an informal open house was held in the Officers Mess to afford G/C and Mrs. Coles the opportunity of meeting all Station officers and their wives. This evening was also marked by the NCO’s Mess farewell party for WO1 PA Thompson who is departing shortly for Station Mont Apica.

22 Aug 57

Mr. DM Loomis, AFHQ/DCE, arrived today on a CE staff visit. G/C Coles, having completed his visit to this Station, proceeded to Station Gander.

23 Aug 57

S/L B Dale, ADC/SOSec, visited the Station today concerning security matters. Another long awaited recreational facility came into being today when the tennis courts were finished. G/C Coles returned today from Gander.

24 Aug 57

Messrs. Bibby and Oliver of RCA Victor arrived today to do emergency repairs on the TPS-502. G/C Coles departed today to return to ADCHQ.

28 Aug 57

Mr. CL Johnstone, Senior Command MetO, ADC, visited the Station today on a staff visit.

29 Aug 57

The CO, accompanied by the CAdO, visited #587 RCAC Squadron Whitney Pier this evening to present trophies, which were won at summer camp at Station Greenwood, to Squadron personnel.

30 Aug 57

The RCMP Band from Ottawa arrived today on a visit to the Sydney area. At the request of the OC, Sydney Sub-Division, the band were accommodated on the Station until 1 Sep while they played concerts in Sydney and Glace Bay. A softball team from Station Summerside arrived today for a game with our Station team in the Maritime Zonal play-downs.

31 Aug 57

The Maritime Zonal Softball game today saw Station Summerside emerge victorious by a score of 13-10 in a hard fought but very enjoyable match.

2 Sep 57

Mr. SH Woodend, ADC/ORB, and Cpl. Wright, Station Beaverbank arrived to conduct operational trials, on surveillance of the TV/OAA aircraft transporting Russian delegates to the UN meeting.

6 Sep 57

Mr. Woodland and Cpl. Wright departed. Cpl. EG Pelletier and LAC PL Miller reported on TD from 6 RD for overhaul of Crypto machines. This evening the Sydney Sub-Division of the RCMP held a formal ball in the Station Rec. Centre. Music was provided by a dance orchestra of the RCMP band which is currently touring the Maritimes and the gala affair proved to be very popular with local residents. The opportunity of placing the Rec. Centre and its facilities at the disposal of the RCMP contributed greatly toward cementing our relations with the Force in the Cape Breton area.

7 Sep 57

A tragic auto accident occurred at 0500 hours this morning near Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia when a car owned and driven by Mr. AM McInnis, a civilian employee of this Station, missed a curve and plunged into a creek. Mr. JJ McLellan, another civilian employee was instantly killed and two airmen, LACs TR Hammond and JALJ Pelltier were injured. Although Pelletier’s injuries required him to be carried on the "seriously ill" list for a short time, Hammond’s injuries were mainly superficial and both airmen are expected to return to duty at an early date. Mr. McInnis, however, suffered a fractured hip and it is expected to be some time before he will be able to return to work.

8 Sept 57

N/S Prendergast departed to return to Station St. Hubert.

9 Sep 57

Cpl. Pelletier and LAC Miller returned to 6 RD.

10 Sep 57

S/L CF Hagyard, ADC/SOAF, visited the Station to conduct a cash count. This evening the CO and CAdO attended a meeting and stag party at 103 Cabot Wing, RCAFA, Sydney. This Station has recently been named as parent unit for this Wing and close liaison has been established to provide all possible assistance to the wing.

11 Sep 57

The second annual RCBAF Highland Games took place this afternoon with a wide range of track and field activities being contested by members of teams representing the three branches of the Station. A final result of the team scoring reveals that Operations win the Highland Games shield with a score of 165 points, followed by Admin branch with 127 and Technical branch with 71. LAC JM Leadbetter easily won honours as the best all-round performer by placing first in four events and second in a fifth.

12 Sep 57

A schedule of lectures for the Station Search and Rescue team commenced today. The lectures embrace all four days, with another three days spent in actual bush work at a site selected near East Bay. It is expected that three groups of Station personnel will undergo this training and from the entire number a new permanent ten-man Search and Rescue team will be selected. This step was necessary due to the loss of a number of S&R team regulars transferred from the Station and the need for maintaining a highly trained party at all times. It is also expected, if previous years may be considered as criteria, that the opening of hunting season on 15 Oct should produce calls for assistance in locating lost hunters.

13 Oct 57

Morale of FtrCops on the Station was boosted today with the announcement of promotion, by special board, of four LACs to A/Cpl. Cpls. JA Bjurstrom, E Makarenko, HJ Epton and LF McDonald were the lucky quartette and the addition to NCO ranks in Operations section is welcomed.

14 Sep 57

The Station Golf Tournament was held this afternoon at Seaview Golf and Country Club, Sydney, with a heartening turnout of almost twenty golfers. After the slices and hooks stopped flying and the scores were added up F/O Creelman emerged as low gross winner with Cpl. Makarenko nosing him out by one stroke to win the low net honours. F/O JF Coll departed on TD to Station Lac St. Denis for intercept practice.

15 Sep 57

The first public celebration of Battle of Britain Sunday in the Sydney area was marked today with a Church Parade conducted in Whitney Pier district. At the instigation of this Unit, members of #29 (Cabot) Sydney Academy, 587 (Whitney Pier) and 562 (North Sydney) Squadrons RCAC, as well as a delegation from the RCAFA, joined with our personnel in parading to Holy Redeemer and Trinity United Churches where appropriate services were conducted by Reverend Father LB Sears and Reverend WC McDonald respectively.
Following the service the parade reformed and on route back to the marshalling area a salute was taken by Donald McInnis, MP for Cape Breton South. Accompanying Mr. McInnis at the saluting base were Colonel FA Cooke, Cmdr. 3 Militia Group, Canadian Army, Lieutenant C Martin, representing the RCN and the CO. An innovation, in so far as the City was concerned, was a fly past of four Sabres from Station Chatham which was controlled by a telephone link to an observer immediately behind the saluting base; as a result, the fly past, which consisted of three passes, was exquisitely timed and the last pass coincided perfectly with the arrival of the head of the parade at the saluting base. Brilliant sunshine and CAVU weather added to the overall effect and comment heard from spectators indicated that the occasion was a complete success. It is hoped that in future years this tradition will be continued.

16 Sep 57

Mr. RB Able, AFHQ/DCEF visited the Station today and took over the remainder of the new insulate PMQs.

17 Sep 57

F/O TW Cowell, ADC/CFPO, arrived to conduct a staff visit.

18 Sep 57

The Fall social season was opened this evening on the Station with the commencement of Station Bingos in the Rec. Centre.

20 Sep 57

Finals of the Station Softball League commenced this evening. Telecom Section and the Admin. Team tangled in a free-hitting game which wound up with Telecom staging a garrison finish to nose out Admin 19-18. This was the first of a best-of-five finals and, if it may be considered a fair example, the remaining games should provide fireworks.

23 Sep 57

The second game of the Softball finals this evening saw Admin tie up the series with a 9-6 victory in a hard fought game which featured sparkling play by both teams.

25 Sep 57

S/L LE Larcombe ADC/SOPA paid a visit to the Station today concerning recreation activities. His choice of dates was fortunate since today was the Queen’s School Sports Day, embracing a swimming meet in the morning and track and field activities in the afternoon. The swimming meet in the morning particularly proved to be an eye-opener for S/L Larcombe, when he was able to see for himself the exceptional progress which has been made with the children in swimming since the opening of the swimming pool. Late afternoon saw the windup of Sports Day with the CO and S/L Larcombe presenting awards to the winners in all classes, and almost one hundred of the rising generation, exhausted but happy, voted the day a complete success. In the evening Telecom section again went one up in their Softball playdown with Admin., with a 13 to 11 win.

29 Sep 57

Mr. R Miller, a representative of Union Switch and Signal Company, arrived to undertake installation of and training of Station personnel on the Rand synthetic trainer.

30 Sep 57

F/L JS Bonham, CChap (P) MAC, visited the Station today on religious matters. The Station Softball finals were again tied up this evening when the Admin. Team came back to even the score at two games each by defeating Telecom 13-10.

2 Oct 57

F/L Bonham departed to return to Halifax. F/O JF Coll returned from TD at Station Lac St. Denis. The CO, F/O Fleming and F/O Fox departed on TD to Station Beaverbank for a liaison visit. F/L Henley assumed temporary command.

4 Oct 57

CO, F/O Fleming and F/O Fox returned to duty. An all-ranks Station dance was held this evening in the Rec. Centre. This is the first venture of this nature in Station history and although attendance was not quite up to expectations, those present voted the evening to be a most enjoyable one and it is expected that future dances will be even more successful. The Snack Bar in the Rec. Centre was also opened for business this evening and did a thriving business with the dance patrons. Members of the Admin branch took advantage of the gala occasion to celebrate the winning of the Station Softball championship by their team in the final game of the series this evening. Throughout, the games have all been closely contested and have featured some fine ball playing by both squads. This evening, however, the power of the Admin team finally exploded and they decisively won the championship trophy by the score of 14-6.

5 Oct 57

Mr. JW Hoult, Bell Telephone Company Supervisor, visited the Station again today.

7 Oct 57

F/L MW Vaness, ASWelO, MAC, visited the Station today on welfare matters. Today marked the beginning of Fire Prevention Week and a busy round of activities sponsored by the Fire Section to bring home to Station personnel the need for fire precautions and to demonstrate the facilities available for fire fighting. Today and tomorrow will see teams of fire fighters visit all PMQs to explain the operation of fire equipment to householders and to assist in the review and elimination of home hazards. At the same time the new Fire Hall is holding "open house" to all Station personnel.

8 Oct 57

Mr. Hoult departed on return to Montreal and F/L Vanes left for Halifax. F/L FD Williams, ADC/SOAF, arrived to conduct an SOAF audit.

9 Oct 57

The Station Volleyball League got underway this evening with all teams of a six-team league seeing action. Teams this year are based on the breakdown of Station by Messes; one from the Officers Mess, one from Senior NCO’s, one Junior NCO’s and one team each composed of Acs from Operations, Admin. And Telecom sections. An attractive trophy for annual competition in Volleyball has been donated by 128 (Whitney Pier) Branch of the Canadian Legion and all teams in the Legion will be going all out to win the championship and become the first holders of the trophy.

10 Oct 57

F/L Williams departed to return to Montreal. A fire prevention week parade was held today by school children of Queen’s School, featuring decorated bicycles, tricycles and other such vehicles, as well as attractive and amusing costumes. The parade made a circuit of the Station and at its conclusion, awards were made to winners in various classes for best costume and best decorated bicycles etc. A team from MT&T commenced work today on telephone cabling to the new Admin. Building, MIR, Rec. Centre and the new PMQ area.

11 Oct 57

The official opening of the Fire Hall took place today with the CO officiating and the Chief and Deputy Chief, as well as one of the Division Captains, of the Sydney Fire Department in attendance. Following the opening, prizes were presented to school children for the coloring and essay contests which were run in connection with fire prevention week. A spectacular climax to the Fire Prevention Week activities took place, to wind up the afternoon’s activities, when an old car, thoroughly drenched with gas and oil, was set aflame and fire section personnel demonstrated their competence in suppressing the fierce conflagration with chemical and foam extinguishers. This evening, F/O O’Leary, CEO, and Sgt. DED Hay, Fire Chief, appeared on the local television show "TV Magazine" to expound to the local audience on fire prevention week activities at this Unit.

15 Oct 57

F/Ls Crooks and Hanrahan of 2 ADCC visited the Station today with regard to operation "Minimize". A team of ground defence instructors from Station Chatham, under the direction of FS RW Kidd, commenced annual refresher training of Station personnel in passive defence. Personnel to be trained have been split into five groups and one day will be spent by each group in classroom work, lectures, instructional files, demonstrations, etc. and a second day in range practice for such of the personnel as are detailed for the Station security flight.

19 Oct 57

F/O Fleming departed on TD to Yuma AFB to undertake the lead collision course.

21 Oct 57

Mr. JC Carrothers, Secretary of the RCAF Benevolent Fund, visited the Station today in the course of a Maritime field trip for familiarization with fund activities. Due to a flu epidemic which has gained momentum in the area during the last week, it was necessary today to close the Station school and the swimming pool on the advice of the MO. Out of four teachers and ninety-two pupils registered, only two teachers and forty-eight pupils were on hand this morning when school opened.

22 Oct 57

S/L JF Sansoucy, ADC/SOComm, arrived today on a Telecom staff visit. The Sydney City Volleyball League got underway this evening with a thirteen team league operating at both the YNCA gym and at this Unit’s Rec. Centre. Two teams are entered from the Station and the "A" team are defending champions from the last two season’s play. It is expected that this season will see a heightening of Volleyball activity in the area and we are happy to be associated in the rise of this sport in the Cape Breton territory.

23 Oct 57

Weapons training for personnel on ground defence refresher commenced today at the Station 25 yard range. The flu bug finally caught up with the CO today and he wound up "SIQ" with F/L Henley assuming temporary command.

24 Oct 57

F/L Sansoucy departed to return to ADC.

28 Oct 57

School and the swimming pool reopened today with flu casualties having dropped off somewhat and even the CO, who luckily experienced only a light dose, returned to harness.

29 Oct 57

The Ground Defence training finished today, and FS Kidd and his team returned to Station Chatham.

31 Oct 57

The RCAF Maritime Rec. Officers Conference was held here today although, due to various reasons (weather, aircraft unserviceability, etc.) attendance was small; but an active discussion period took place and playdowns in winter sports for units in the Maritime area were scheduled.

1 Nov 57

Goblins, witches and other gruesome characters abounded this evening with Halloween masquerade parties taking place in all Messes.

3 Nov 57

The Station Search and Rescue team were called out this morning to search for a lost hunter. Happily, before the search had gotten well underway, the "stray" had returned himself to civilization. At the request of #3 Militia Group, Canadian Army, WO2 JG Hopkins was detailed to attend a civil defence meeting held this afternoon at Victoria Park. This was merely an exploratory meeting however, and it was reported by the Deputy Provincial Coordinator from Halifax that ADC Units are not expected to participate actively in Civil Defence measures. Therefore this unit will only be required to supply such assistance as will not affect our operational capability, i.e. vehicles, equipment, rations, quarters, etc.

7 Nov 57

The Station Gift Shop opened this evening in the Rec. Centre. A wide selection, mainly of toys, is available for the benefit of Station personnel at prices considerably below those in the local market and it is expected that this feature should materially add to Station Fund capital.

10 Nov 57

F/O DE O’Leary and three airmen attended the North Sydney "Festival of Remembrance" as RCAF representatives. This ceremony, which was held in Thompson High School auditorium, was an impressive and well attended occasion and it is expected will be continued in future years.

11 Nov 57

Inclement weather today necessitated cancellation of the large scale ceremonies planned as Remebrance Day observances in the area. However, the CO and five officers attended an indoor ceremony at the Paramount Theatre in Sydney and one AC was dispatched to the Canadian Legion Ceremony at Westmount. Mr. MJ Harry, RCA Victor Company and a crew reported to undertake repairs to the lighting arrestor and pressure interlock systems in the Radar towers.

12 Nov 57

Mr. RH Hickson of DRML visited the Station today to survey the operations room layout, operating conditions etc. for a study currently underway. Mr. CC Ferguson, RCA Victor Company, arrived to assist on the lighting rod and pressure interlock repairs. The first PMQ Council for this Station was elected today as a result of balloting by PMQ residents. Sgt. HE Reed was nominated as Mayor by the CO and elected representatives are: Mrs. LW Horsman, LAC RV Carrigan, Mrs. JR Parker, Sgt. WM Campbell and Mr. JW Wilkes, two each from three wards into which the PMQ area had been partitioned.

13 Nov 57

A fire test was run this afternoon by the CO when a fire test was set near the Dispensary and a box alarm was sounded. Three minutes and fifty-six seconds after the alarm box was pulled, fire equipment had responded and water was turned on.

14 Nov 57

F/L GR Howson, ADC/SOSec, arrived for a staff visit. Lt. Colonel Pilley, EASCOM S&TO, visited the Station in company with Major AF Gale, #3 Militia Group, concerning rations, and transport for Army Civil Defence planning. The Station S&R team was called out today by the RCMP to assist in a search for a hunter lost in the Port Hawkesbury area. Unhappily, prior to the arrival of the team, the missing man was found, in the woods, shot dead.

15 Nov 57

F/L Howson departed on return to ADC.

16 Nov 57

Another Station Bingo was held this evening in the Rec. Centre. Although attendance is below expectations the fortunate winners are picking up a few extra dollars of cash, in prizes, for their Christmas spending - it is hoped at the Station Gift Shop! Mr. R Miller of Union Switch and Signal Company departed today after completing installation of the Rand trainer and conducting very comprehensive course for Radar Techs on the new equipment.

18 Nov 57

Mr. MM Shewchuck RCA Victor Company visited the station today concerning repairs to the pressure interlock system.

20 Nov 57

F/L CN Evoy and WO2 HR Gibson ADC/SOMS made a staff visit to the Station today. F/L Evoy reviewed general medical matters, particularly medical admin. Procedures and WO Gibson conducted a sanitary inspection of the Station.

21 Nov 57

F/L Evoy and WO2 Gibson departed to return to ADC.

22 Nov 57

F/O KM Cady arrived from Station Beaverbank to do a cash count. A mixed Dining-In Night was held this evening in the Officers Mess followed by an informal dance. The Airmen’s Club also was the scene of a very enjoyable and well attended dance this evening.

23 Nov 57

This evening a "Come-As-You-Are" party was staged in the Officers Mess. While dress was not quite up to CAP 6 standards, many amusing and slightly embarrassing varieties of "dishabille" were in attendance.

24 Nov 57

F/O Cady departed to return to Station Beaverbank.

25 Nov 57

Mr. N Sewchuk of RCA Victor completed pressurizing interlock system repairs and departed today to return to Montreal. This evening the Cape Breton Badminton Association commenced their mid-season tournament in the Rec. Centre gym. Permission was granted for their use of our facilities by the CO in an effort to stimulate interest in Badminton and perhaps to establish a basis for a Station Badminton Club. The tournament is receiving wide support with some 170 entries, including approximately twenty from Station personnel. F/O A Munkacsi arrived on TD from Station Foymount to assist in Operations due to a temporary shortage of controllers.

26 Nov 57

Messrs. Fort, Bateman and Hutson of Northern Electric Company arrived for a visit to peak-up the FPS-3.

28 Nov 57

Cape Breton Badminton Association tournament continued this evening with a full evening’s play in all categories of the tournament.

29 Nov 57

The CO and Mrs. Armstrong attended a ceremony today at Point Edward Naval Base when five mine sweepers were handed over, by the RCN, to the Turkish Navy. The Minister of National Defence officiated on behalf of Canada at the ceremony, with the Turkish ambassador and Senior Naval officers in attendance. Following the handover, a Cocktail Party was held by the Turks in the Officers Wardroom.

30 Nov 57

A Station Dance was held this evening in the Rec. Centre to celebrate "Sadie Hawkins Day". Through some imaginative decorating, the gym acquired more than one evidence of "Dog Patch" and a very enjoyable evening was had be the large turn-out.

Signed by:
(GA Armstrong) S/L
CO